Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Domestic Violence Defense Experience
Understanding the Court Process in Colorado Domestic Violence Cases
If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Colorado, you are likely experiencing shock, fear, and confusion. Clients often ask: What happens now? Will I go to jail? How long will this process last?
Domestic violence (DV) charges are treated differently than other criminal cases in Colorado. They carry mandatory arrest rules, automatic protection orders, and mandatory counseling requirements. The domestic violence court process can be intimidating, and the stakes are high — both legally and personally.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we defend clients accused of domestic violence across Aurora, Arapahoe County, Denver, and the surrounding areas. We guide you through every step of the court process while protecting your rights and future.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in Colorado?
Colorado law defines domestic violence under C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3 as:
“An act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.”
It also includes crimes against property or pets when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge.
This means DV is not a standalone crime — it is a sentence enhancer added to charges like assault, harassment, criminal mischief, or menacing. Once DV is attached, the case is handled under Colorado’s strict domestic violence procedures.
Step 1: The Arrest – Mandatory in DV Cases
Colorado has a mandatory arrest law for domestic violence. If police have probable cause to believe a DV offense occurred, they must arrest the accused person. This is the start of the domestic violence court process.
No “cooling off” period — one party is taken to jail.
The alleged victim cannot stop the arrest.
Release usually requires posting bond and agreeing to conditions.
This automatic arrest policy often means people are jailed after minor disputes or false accusations.
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Step 2: Protection Orders
As soon as you are arrested for a DV offense, the court issues a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO) under C.R.S. § 18-1-1001.
Typically prohibits contact with the alleged victim.
May require you to vacate your home.
Can limit communication with your children if they are involved.
Stays in place until the case is resolved — unless modified by the court.
Violating a protection order is a separate criminal charge and can make your case much worse.
Step 3: First Court Appearance (Advisement)
Your first appearance, called Advisement, usually happens within 24–72 hours of arrest. At this hearing, the judge will:
Inform you of the charges filed.
Advise you of your rights.
Set bond conditions (which may include restrictions on firearms, alcohol use, or contact with the alleged victim).
Keep or adjust the protection order.
Having an attorney at this stage of the domestic violence court process ensures your bond conditions are not more restrictive than necessary.
Step 4: Arraignment
At arraignment, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Many DV cases proceed to pretrial negotiations at this stage.
Your lawyer may advise delaying a plea if motions or negotiations could result in reduced charges, dismissal, or diversion.
Step 5: Pretrial Phase and Discovery
The pretrial phase is where much of the defense work happens.
Discovery: Prosecutors must provide evidence, such as police reports, 911 calls, photographs, and witness statements.
Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the protection order, or dismiss charges.
Negotiations: Many DV cases are resolved through plea bargaining or entry into counseling programs.
A strong defense during this phase can make the difference between a conviction and dismissal.
Step 6: Domestic Violence Treatment Requirements
If you are convicted or plead guilty to a DV offense, Colorado law requires domestic violence counseling as part of sentencing.
Typically involves 36 weeks of treatment in state-approved classes.
Supervised by probation.
Completion is mandatory to satisfy sentencing.
Even if jail time is avoided, counseling requirements are strict and expensive.
Step 7: Trial
If your case cannot be resolved, the only place the domestic violence court process leads to is trial.
DV trials may be before a judge or jury.
The prosecution must prove the underlying charge (e.g., assault or harassment) and that it occurred within an intimate relationship.
Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses, challenge inconsistencies, and present evidence of self-defense or false allegations.
An acquittal means the case ends. If convicted, the case proceeds to sentencing.
Step 8: Sentencing in DV Cases
Sentencing in DV cases depends on whether the underlying offense is a misdemeanor or felony.
Misdemeanor DV: Up to 364 days in jail, fines, probation, mandatory treatment, and community service.
Felony DV: Years in prison, steep fines, and permanent consequences.
Collateral Consequences: Loss of firearm rights (federal law), impact on employment, and child custody complications.
Because of mandatory counseling and collateral consequences, even a misdemeanor DV conviction is serious.
Step 9: Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
If convicted, you may have the right to an appeal or to seek post-conviction relief. Grounds for appeal include:
Improper admission of evidence.
Constitutional violations.
Errors by the judge or prosecution.
An attorney can evaluate your options if your case ended in a conviction.
Defense Strategies in Domestic Violence Cases
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we aggressively defend against domestic violence charges. Common strategies include:
False Accusations – Unfortunately, DV allegations are sometimes made out of anger, revenge, or to gain leverage in divorce or custody disputes.
Self-Defense – You have the right to defend yourself if you were attacked.
Lack of Evidence – Many DV cases are “he said/she said” without corroborating proof.
Witness Credibility Issues – We highlight inconsistencies or motives to lie.
Challenging Protection Orders – We work to modify overly restrictive orders.
Our goal is to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect your freedom.
Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm?
Domestic violence cases move quickly and carry serious risks. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide:
Experienced DV defense in Aurora, Arapahoe County, Denver, and surrounding courts.
Aggressive motion practice to challenge unlawful arrests or weak evidence.
Skilled negotiations to pursue reduced charges, diversion, or treatment alternatives.
Trial-tested advocacy if your case must be fought before a jury.
Personalized attention — we know every DV case is unique and emotionally charged.
We understand what is at stake — your freedom, your family, and your future.
Counties We Serve for Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence cases in Colorado are handled at the county court level, and having an attorney who regularly appears in those courts is critical. Our firm defends clients throughout the Denver Metro and Front Range region, including:
Arapahoe County – Cases are often heard at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial. Local prosecutors pursue DV charges aggressively, and judges typically issue mandatory protection orders at the first appearance.
Adams County – Domestic violence charges in Adams County are heard in Brighton, with municipal courts in Aurora, Commerce City, and Thornton also handling related cases. Understanding the nuances of each courtroom can make a difference in the outcome.
Douglas County – With cases centered at the Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock, Douglas prosecutors and judges have a reputation for strict enforcement of protection orders and sentencing guidelines.
Jefferson County – The Jefferson County Courthouse in Golden hears DV cases for Lakewood, Arvada, and surrounding communities. Familiarity with Jefferson County’s probation and treatment programs is key to negotiating favorable resolutions.
Denver County – Domestic violence charges in Denver are handled at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Denver has specialized domestic violence dockets and dedicated prosecutors, making experienced representation especially important.
Aurora City – Many misdemeanor domestic violence charges arising in Aurora are prosecuted under the Aurora Municipal Code. The process differs from state court, and knowing municipal procedures is vital to your defense.
Whether your case is in county court or a municipal court, our attorneys understand the local rules, treatment requirements, and prosecutor practices. That local experience helps us build stronger defenses and guide clients through the complex web of court appearances, protection orders, and DVOMB-approved treatment.
Need Help With Domestic Violence Court Process?
If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Colorado, do not wait. The court process begins immediately, and mistakes made early can affect your case for months or years.
Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will explain the domestic violence court process, fight to protect your rights, and help you move forward with your life.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
Learn More About Colorado Domestic Violence Court Process
Contact Information
Address
2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865 Aurora, CO 80014
Contact
lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment